Building Up a Run-Down Cotton Plantation
Creator
Brodie, D.A.
Date
1908
Subject
soil productivity
cotton
Relation
Farmers' Bulletin
Number 326
Excerpt
This bulletin is an account of the progress made in three years in changing a run-down cotton plantation into a profitable stock and hay farm. The results obtained from the use of cowpeas and other leguminous crops in restoring the fertility of the land have exceeded the expectations of those in charge of the work. Not only have the crops yielded greater returns each year, but all the grain and hay necessary to feed 14 brood mares, 1 jack, 2 driving horses, 1 saddle horse, a varying number of mule colts, a cow and calf, and from 50 to 75 hogs has been raised and a considerable surplus of grain and hay sold each year.
However, it is only fair to state that all of the credit for this increased production is not due to the legumes alone, because at the start an entirely new system of farming was put into operation; modern implements took the place of the old ones, the land was plowed deeper, better drainage established, improved seed introduced, and better methods of cultivation practiced, each doubtless contributing something to the general improvement.
GENERAL CONDITIONS IN 1905, 1906, AND 1907.
The farm referred to in this bulletin consists of about 375 acres of slightly rolling land at the foot of Crowleys Ridge, in Phillips County, Ark. The soil is a reddish silt loam, with occasional patches of sandy loam. The lower levels of the farm are very poorly drained, and in consequence the crops on these portions have suffered greatly during seasons of excessive rainfall.
However, it is only fair to state that all of the credit for this increased production is not due to the legumes alone, because at the start an entirely new system of farming was put into operation; modern implements took the place of the old ones, the land was plowed deeper, better drainage established, improved seed introduced, and better methods of cultivation practiced, each doubtless contributing something to the general improvement.
GENERAL CONDITIONS IN 1905, 1906, AND 1907.
The farm referred to in this bulletin consists of about 375 acres of slightly rolling land at the foot of Crowleys Ridge, in Phillips County, Ark. The soil is a reddish silt loam, with occasional patches of sandy loam. The lower levels of the farm are very poorly drained, and in consequence the crops on these portions have suffered greatly during seasons of excessive rainfall.
Title
Building Up a Run-Down Cotton Plantation
File(s)
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